Once lived a fellow Hubert Stan
Almost as good as any man.
With body strong and mind that's keen
A gift of both that's rarely seen

Now Hubert swam at goodly speed
Amongst the British lilly reeds.
His arms were long and waist was lithe
In wake of Hubert waters writhe

At speeds our hero often reached
When swimming cross the English creeks.
In countryside where Hubert trains
That's filled with heavy British rains.

The folks in town would always come
To look in awe while stricken dumb.
At sight they saw in English brooks
Traversed at speeds that shoreline shook.

And crowd would gather though in pain
At hands of stinging cold and rain
To cheer for Hubert swimming fast
For many hours scene might last.

Then came a day of oddest mark
When man unknown did brag his part.
"What petty speed for mighty praise
To Hubert Stan I stakes do raise!

I ask you best me fair and square."
And crowd is stunned at brazen dare.
But Hubert stands with head on high
And bids the braggart draw yet nigh.

"I'll take your bet and soon you'll see
No man can match my jarring speeds.
But raise the stakes on up and high
If Huberts foes so sure and wry.

Against the stream we'll upwards strive
To make our contest more alive"
So deal was struck and plan was made
They'll meet at dawn in nearby glade.

The day and night do pass so swift
And soon the sun does rise like gift.
To cast it's light on world below
And down to glade does Hubert go.

In clearing, scores of folk now stand
To see the race that pair had plan.
To nearby river fellows go
Where men will swim against the flow

That off a water fall does gush
And down the stream does quickly rush.
So both prepare to swim the length
Against the currents mighty strength.

They stand at edge and ready selves
To quick in icy water delve.
Then judge that's chose from ample crowd
Does shout in voice that's great and loud

"Be gone you braggarts, swim away
For only one may win the day!"
And pair do leap into the stream
To beat the other both mens dream.

And Hubert swims as fast as fish
Like man possess by single wish.
So fast his gate that none believe
What folks own eyes do current see.

So Hubert strives to gain his way
And works so hard to win the day.
His tendons strain and muscles pull
To body Huberts very cruel

But still he pushes self to brink
Inside the mighty pooling sink.
Then finally reaches end of course
His body worn with throat that's hoarse.

And all that gather cheer to see
That Hubert gains the victors fee.
Then voice now spoke to joyous crowd
That pierced through cheers and screams so loud.

"Don't take the loss to hard my son
For few perform as Huberts done.
So feel no shame at righteous loss
No pride the win should fellow cost."

And Hubert turns to find who spoke
Not seeing voice who cheers had broke.
Then yell is heard to draw his ear
A shout that causes sinking fear.

And up above he turns to call...
His foe had swam the water fall.